§ 21. Mr. Allasonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proportion of local authorities have appointed special officers in connection with the Housing Act 1969.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Paul Channon)Local authority arrangements for the administration of improvement grants vary, but my right hon. Friend will issue further guidance on this subject in the light of experience we have been accumulating.
§ Mr. AllasonIs my hon. Friend satisfied with the progress of improvements? Is there not a considerable shortfall at present? Where special officers have been appointed, is my hon. Friend satisfied that they have a knowledge of building techniques?
§ Mr. ChannonThe appointment of a special officer can be exceedingly helpful. On the general question, improvement grants are now running at about 90 per cent. higher than in 1969. The campaign for improvement grants is going very well.